| abstract |
A coupling device (10) provides sealing members (24), (26), preferably Indium wire O-rings (72), (74), suitable for sealing engagement with an insulating member (28) under cryogenic, high-pressure conditions. Coupling device (10) is designed to couple a first metal pipe attached to a first adapter (12), and a second metal pipe attached to a second adapter (14), so that fluid may be conveyed via bore (36), chamber (84), and bore (48) under such cryogenic high-pressure conditions. According to the invention, the coupling device (10) provides effective sealing under these extreme conditions while also providing thermal and electrical insulation due to the advantageous construction featuring insulating member (28), first collar member (20) and second collar member (22). Thus, two metal pipes may be joined together, one in a high-voltage, low temperature state, the other in an electrically grounded condition, each pipe being maintained substantially in its respective condition by virtue of the insulating properties of coupling device (10). |